Be honest.
Would you like it if I called you a ‘user’? User is the computer term for a Gringo. Cringo for short.
It implies that they are so insignificant that we – the company developing the product and oddly enough selling to the same user – couldn’t be bothered to find something more appropriate.
You’re not convinced, are you?
Does anyone call people who drive cars users?
No, they’re drivers.
Does anyone call people who type up reports users?
No, they’re called typists.
Does anyone call the people who take photos users?
No, they’re photographers.
People like respect. There is something inherently offensive in calling a person a user. It implies that they are thick,
It also implies that they are part of this vague, faceless group. While this may be true, people like to be treated as individuals. If you don’t grasp this, you’ve missed the point.
Let’s go back to our photographers.
Why not call the next user guide, The Photographers Guide?
It sounds nice.
You’re giving them a little credit and saying:
“Look, we wrote this guide for you because we know you love photography and we want you to be a better photographer. That’s why we built this product. Enjoy the camera!”
Or you could write: “The following user guide is designed for users of the new….”
Which one do you prefer?
PS – if you need a generic title for user guides, why not use Product Guide? Stop calling them users. They’re real. Talk to them like I talk to you.
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